STS Award

K.S. “Bud” Adams Jr.

2011

Former Tennessee Titans owner, K.S. “Bud” Adams Jr., was named the inaugural winner of the award. Adams, a veteran of the U.S. Naval Reserve who served during World War II, was a longstanding advocate of servicemen and women, hosting more than 12,000 troops at Titans games.

Charles Tillman

2012

Two-time Pro Bowl player Charles Tillman, whose father served 20 years in the Army, provides critically ill children of military families access to computers, DVD/MP3 players, and other electronics at Fort Hood and conducts youth football camps on military bases.

John Harbaugh

2013

Super Bowl-winning coach John Harbaugh has participated in an NFL-USO coaches’ tour of the Middle East visiting numerous military bases, has instituted Military Appreciation Day at Ravens training camp, and invites Wounded Warriors as his guests to every home game.

Jared Allen

2014

Five-time Pro Bowler Jared Allen makes homes accessible for veterans who return from war with debilitating injuries by building, purchasing, or remodeling homes to fit the lifestyle a disable soldier faces. Since the organization’s inception in 2009, $3.5 million has been raised with the goal of donating 10 homes per year.

Vincent Jackson

2015

The proud son of parents with a combined 25 years of service in the Army, the self-proclaimed “military brat” has focused his charitable efforts on finding new and innovative ways to connect with those whose path he’s walked. Jackson launched the Jackson In Action 83 Foundation on Veterans Day in 2012 to support military families by focusing on the educational, emotional and physical health of military children.

Dan Quinn

2016

Despite not having a military background or family connection, Quinn supports TAPS by having players wear the initials of a fallen soldier on their helmet, with the player having the opportunity to meet the family soldier represented to connect on a more personal level.

Learn more about the NFL Salute to Service campaign and military appreciation efforts at NFL.com/salute.

NFL Salute to Service Award Presented by USAA

The NFL Salute to Service Award presented by USAA encourages military appreciation by NFL players, alumni, and team personnel who demonstrate an exemplary commitment to honoring and supporting the military community. The annual award is presented during Super Bowl week and recognized at the NFL Honors awards show the night before the Super Bowl. In addition to the award, a $25,000 contribution is made by USAA in the winner’s honor to the aid societies representing all five military branches. Teams submit nominations in October, which are evaluated by a panel of judges based on the positive effect of the individual’s efforts on the military community, the type of service conducted, the thoroughness of the program and level of commitment. The panel of judges, consisting of representatives from the NFL and USAA, all with military ties, includes: